Soldier and explorer (1770–1838) who, with Meriwether Lewis, undertook a two-year expedition in 1804 to discover a navigable route to the Pacific Ocean, in the process exploring and later describing much of the course along the Missouri River. Following the expedition, Clark resumed his military career, serving as agent for Indian affairs in St. Louis and leading a number of campaigns during the War of 1812. Very rare manuscript DS, signed “Wm Clark, Lt. Adt. Qr Mtr 4th SL,” one page, 7.25 x 9, November 12, 1794. Document headed “Whisky Return for the 4th Sub Legion for the 13th & / 14th November 1794 Inclusive,” listing 10 companies and their total amount of rations, signed at the bottom of the table by Clark. In very good condition, with show-through from docketing on reverse under Clark’s signature, a few small holes of paper loss, and a few chips to edges. Three years after beginning his military career, Clark was assigned to the 4th Sub-Legion and became involved in several Indian skirmishes during the Northwest Indian War. In 1794, just three months before signing this document, he successfully commanded a company of riflemen at the Battle of Fallen Timbers, bringing the Northwest Indian War to a close and ending major hostilities in the region until Tecumseh’s War 15 years later. Two years after this battle, Clark resigned from the military and returned to his family’s plantation in Kentucky where he remained until being invited to share command of the newly formed Corps of Discovery by Lewis in 1803. A scarce document, one of just a handful known to exist. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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